Deputies investigate incident at Matanzas High School in Palm Coast

PALM COAST, Fla. - Two teenage girls gave classmates homemade tattoos at their Flagler County high school, prompting authorities to launch an investigation, officials said.

The father of a 16-year-old, who attends Matanzas High School in Palm Coast, said he learned about his daughter's tattoo on Wednesday after a photo was posted on Instagram.

The Flagler County Sheriff's Office said in an incident report that a "juvenile received a tattoo from another juvenile in the art room during lunch at Matanzas High." Deputies said it's not known where the teacher was when the tattoing took place.

Deputies said two 15-year-old girls implemented a "stick and poke" method, using a needle and India ink that's available in the art room, to give their classmates tattoos. One of the girls charged $15 per tattoo, deputies said.

Deputies said the same needle was used on multiple students.

Flagler County Schools issued a statement Thursday afternoon.

"This morning, administrators at Matanzas High School were made aware of a complaint filed with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, alleging students tattooing other students at the school.

"Our administrators are working with investigators to identify all students involved in the alleged incident. We are following our student code of conduct and discipline protocols during this process.

"Student safety is of utmost concern for us for all our students. We do not condone activities alleged in this incident and they will not be tolerated," the statement said.

Deputies said the girl's parents want to press charges.

The Sheriff's Office said it would send the case to the state attorney's office, which would determine if the girls are charged with practicing tattoos without a license, a second-degree misdemeanor.

At least two other students were possibly tattooed at school, and an investigation is continuing, deputies said.